When the shed will not fit through the gate
Prebuilt sheds are delivered whole, and plenty of Valley backyards have side yards and gates far too narrow for them. Instead of building on site or tearing out a section of wall, the shed can go over the top.
Our truck-mounted crane parks in the street or driveway, lifts the shed off the delivery trailer and sets it on the base in your backyard.
We lift:
- New prebuilt sheds from the delivery trailer to the yard
- Existing sheds being moved to a new spot on the property
- Old sheds being removed and loaded on a trailer
- Small prebuilt structures, after Don confirms the lift
Every lift is different. Call with the weight of the shed, how far it needs to go and where the truck can park, and Don will confirm the lift.
Get the shed details from the builder
Your shed company is the best source for the information we need:
- Shed dimensions and approximate weight
- Whether the shed is built to be lifted and where it should be rigged
- Delivery date and time, so the trailer and the crane can arrive together
Some sheds have floors and skids built to take lifting straps; others need spreader bars or extra care so the structure does not rack. Knowing ahead of time helps us bring the right rigging.
Prep the base and the yard
- Base ready. Have the pad, pavers, gravel base or blocks finished and level before lift day, following your shed builder's guidance.
- Clear the drop zone. Move furniture, planters and toys from around the base.
- Empty old sheds. If we are moving or removing a shed, empty it first. Contents shift and add weight.
- Look up. Point out trees, patio covers, eaves and power lines.
- Pets and kids inside during the lift.
Access, HOAs and street setup
Most shed lifts are done with the truck in the driveway or the street in front of the house. Corner lots and homes with alleys sometimes have a closer setup spot.
Many communities have HOAs with rules about sheds and work trucks. Check with your HOA before the shed is ordered and again before lift day. Some cities require a right-of-way or street-use permit to set up in the street; check with your city.
Photos of the front of the house, the backyard and the street help Don confirm the lift. Text them to 602-615-0712.
How a shed lift usually goes
- Book it. Call 602-615-0712 or text 623-258-8361 with the address, shed size and weight, delivery date and photos of the yard and street.
- Confirm. Don confirms the lift and the start time, ideally matched to the shed delivery.
- Set up. On lift day the truck parks, puts down outriggers and pads, and the rigging goes on the shed.
- Lift and set. The shed goes over the wall or house and is lowered onto the base while someone on the ground guides it into position.
- Pack up. Rigging off, boom stowed, and the shed is yours.
Safety and wind
A shed is a big box that catches the wind. The operator watches conditions and will hold the lift if gusts make the shed hard to control. Tag lines keep it from spinning as it travels.
Only the people guiding the shed should be near it, and nobody stands under it while it is in the air (29 CFR 1926.1425). Power lines need a minimum 20-foot clearance for lines up to 350 kV unless specific procedures are used (29 CFR 1926.1408).
More detail is in how a crane lift works.
Frequently asked questions
Can a crane lift a shed over my block wall?
Often, yes. The crane sets up in the street or driveway and lifts the shed over the wall, fence or house onto its base. It depends on the shed weight, the distance from the truck and what is overhead. Call 602-615-0712 or text 623-258-8361 with the details and Don will confirm the lift.
Can you move an existing shed to another spot in the yard?
In many cases, yes, if the shed is sound enough to be lifted. Empty it first, tell us how it is built and anchored, and send photos. The shed needs to be unanchored and free of the old base before the lift. Don will confirm whether the move can be done safely.
What should the shed company tell me before the lift?
Ask for the shed dimensions, approximate weight and whether it is built to be lifted, including where it should be rigged. Get the delivery date and time so the trailer and crane arrive together. Pass all of that along when you call 602-615-0712 or text 623-258-8361.
Do I need HOA approval for a shed lift?
Check with your HOA. Many have rules about sheds themselves and about work trucks, street parking and work hours. If the truck needs to set up in the street, some cities also require a right-of-way or street-use permit, so check with your city before lift day.